How To Make a Realistic Costume – Techniques and Tips from Industry Experts

If you want to make a costume for a movie, theater, or any other event, keep in mind that this is not an easy task. 

The first step is to make a plan. And how to make a good one? Well, just focus on the main theme or a specific role of the actor that will wear your costume. 

Also, we’ve found some expert tips, and you can check them in the following sections. 

Papier-Mâché

This one represents a great way to boost your creativity. It is a technique where you can make all sorts of objects out of paper. A perfect example is when your kid has a school play. You can use it to make a mask or some accessories. 

In fact, it is all what you need to get started if you just started practicing making costumes, masks, and other items common in movies and similar settings. Just get some glue and old newspapers, and you are good to go. 

Try to be Authentic

If you are a beginner, it’s unlikely that you will manage to create a costume that is fully realistic for a certain historical period, or specific details related to the character. It would require a lot of time and proper resources. 

On the other side, you could make it more authentic by learning some details. 

For instance, if the character is from the Victorian era, you can add some details like tight corsets, common fabrics used during that period, and more.

Visualize Your Ideas

A simple explanation for this one is to just be creative. Experiment and play around with different techniques and styles until you figure out the one that will be appropriate for the character.

You can make a sketch, and then create a list of things you will need for such a costume. This will also help you be realistic. For instance, you might have planned on making a costume that would require something that simply isn’t available, or it is too expensive. 

Play around with drawing. In most cases, you won’t be able to make a perfect one with the first attempt. It is a process where you will alter the initial sketch multiple times before you achieve the right model.

Choose the Right Fabric

We already mentioned the Victorian Era. Well, you can use the same approach for any character. Just check out what makes them unique. If you want to create a Japanese Kimono, that doesn’t mean that you will have to order one from Japan. 

There are techniques you can apply to fabric to make them look old. The most popular is to stain it with tea. 

Another important detail related to fabric is to always select the one that is strong enough to withstand various changes like attachments and sewing. 

Sewing and Construction

These skills require experience. If you never used a needle before, you should play around with old cloth and other materials until you learn the basics. 

And then you can try making your first costume. 

The best solution is to have a doll of the same size as the actor so that you can ensure the right dimensions. Also, the doll will serve as a base where you can easily attach many other elements. 

Accessories

This is one of the most important parts when making a costume. Additional details will make the character more realistic and unique. 

So, before the start, focus on the role of the person that will wear it. That will make it easier to consider the additional materials. For example, a medieval knight will need a suit of armor, or at least something close to that.

Also, it’s all about those small details you can apply, such as a specific amount of buttons, their size, jewelry, and more.

Besides that, don’t forget to maintain the flexibility of the costume. The point is to make it comfortable enough to not represent an issue for the actor to go through his role while wearing it. 

Prosthetics

The real transformation into the character can be achieved with the right prosthetics. But this is also an advanced process that requires skills and experience. 

So, you will have to create the proper size that fits perfectly to the wearer. 

The common techniques combined are adhesives and makeup that can make the costume blend in in just the right way. 

Don’t forget about durability. You don’t want the costume to fall off or break during the show. 

Be sure to make it on time so that the actor can wear it while preparing for the main event. 

The goal is to collect all the tools required to make a costume. 

The proper layout also depends on the type of costume you are making. 

For example, you might have to start with the prosthetics, or to plan the accessories first. 

Just don’t rush. Follow a clear plan, and focus on creating a suit that perfectly resembles the character and is strong enough to maintain in one piece during the whole time. 

Use Advanced Technology

First of all, we will mention the design programs you can use on PC to draw, plan the materials, or even test which combination would be the best. 

3D modeling is now easily accessible, and there are even AI-powered solutions where reaching a perfect design was never easier. 

Another, even more useful option is the 3D printing. It can help you get even more creative and don’t worry so much when you cannot find certain materials or accessories. You can simply make an authentic copy of it on a 3D printer. And don’t worry if you are just a beginner, there are many businesses that are offering printing on demand.

The Bottom Line

As you can see, there are many skills and tools required to make a costume. But still, creativity remains a core for this. 

Besides that, practice is the only way to improve your skills. There are numerous techniques you can use to make accessories, fabrics, and other parts of the costume. 

So, just start with a clear plan, and you will figure it out by using all these techniques.